At the entrance of the chancel, in the middle of the naive, is the only brass monumental plate remaining; it formerly contained three figures; the centre represents a man in a devout attitude.

verting the English, and who, by favour of Ethelbert, became Archbishop of Canterbury, A. D. 604. Opinions are various as to the time when the custom of burying in Churches originated. In the earlier ages of Christianity monuments were erected in public path-ways, and by the side of roads, as mementos to travellers of their own mortality. In the seventh century, abbots were buried in the Chapter-house, and monks in the Cloisters; and St. Cuthbert, whose festival in the Romish Calendar is fixed for March 20th, in or about the year 680, is said to have been the first who added yards to churches for the reception of the dead.

On his right and left was a female joining in holy communion, the indentations of which, as well as those of the inscriptions below, are well defined. In the confiscation and plunder of church property at the Reformation, and the no less destructive zeal of Presbyterianism at the Commonwealth, altars, shrines, and images were broken down and utterly destroyed, and even brasses on tombs forcibly wrenched off or mutilated, so that but few inscriptions are now to be found of an earlier date than the reign of Henry 8th. The walls of the aisles are adorned with chaste mural monuments and entablatures.

Monumental Inscriptions in the Chancel.

Near this place lies interred the body of Martha, the wife of Geo. Rowley, Gent. who departed this life Nov.

In most instances, public cemetries were at some distance from the monasteries, and planted with trees and flowers, and preserved with great care from every species of profanation. The modes of interment amongst the antient British tribes are ably discussed by Sir R. C. Hoare, Bart., in his valuable description of the Antiquities, and more particularly Druidical Barrows of Wiltshire. With regard to the Romans, it is generally thought that the custom of burning dead bodies ceased with the Antonines; but Lethiullier observes (Archaeologia, v. i. p. 75,) that it must have continued to the reign of the last Emperor who took that name, viz. Heliogabalus, since more than thirty years after the death of Marcus Aurelius we have a clear account of the burning of the Emperor Severus, who died at York. At this period it is presumed the custom of sepulture became general; but it has been strongly argued, that the custom did not usually obtain until after the thorough establishment of Christianity.

21, 1765, aged 29; and left issue two sons, (viz.) Owsley, aged 10, and George, aged 5 years. She was the only daughter of ye late Thomas Maylam, of Woodchurch, in the county of Kent, Gent.

Here lieth the body of George Rowley, Esq., who departed this life the 18th Sept. 1798, in the 67th year of his age.

On the North Side of the Communion Table, on a Mural

Monument.

In memory of Geoffry Hawkins, Clerk, Rector of Higham Gobion, Bedfordshire, who died in the year 1727. He was son of Geoffry Hawkins, A.M. Clerk, Rector of Chesterton, Huntingdonshire, who was one of the suffering Clergy in 1641. Also of Mary, his wife, who was the widow of Richard Carryer, Gentleman, and died in the year 1750. In this Church lies interred, Hannah Worley, Widow, who erected the Altar in the Chancel, in the year 1731; and died in the year 1771.

On Stone Slabs in the floor of the Chancel are these Inscriptions. Mr. Richard Caryer died July 12th, 1744. Aged 35.

Mr. Richard Caryer departed June ye 18th, 1709, in ye 34 year of his age. In memory of Mr. Robert Vickery, who died the 24 Sept. 1785. Aged 63.

In memory of the Reverend Mr. Richard Caryer, who died Jan. 18, 1770, in the 41st year of his age.

In memory of Mrs. Eliz. Vickery, Wid. of Mr. Rob. Vickery, who departed this life Jan. the 10th. 1796. Aged 56 years.

To the memory of a most deserving and dearly beloved son, Thomas Dodgson, Esq. whose mortal remains are here interred. This stone was inscribed by the direction of his affectionate and afflicted parents, Charles, Bishop of Elphin, in the kingdom of Ireland, and Frances Radcliffe Dodgson. He was a student of distinguished merit, of St. John's College, Cambridge, and died at Farm Hall, the 14th January, 1794, in the 19th year of his age; most sincerely lamented by all who knew him.

At the West termination of the Naive, on a neat Mural Entablature, on the South side of the Gallery.

This monument of the instability of human happiness calls to remembrance Elizabeth, the wife of Edward Martin, and only daughter of Mr. John Meadows, of Kettering, who died the 25th of February, 1805. Aged 24 years. Mild, affable, chearful and affectionate, she seemed to live for the happiness of others. Early inclined to things sacred, she was ready to every good work. The Gospel, which in life was dear to her, proved in death her all-sufficient support. Reader, expect the day that shall declare her character and thine, and let her happy end induce thee to tread the paths of piety.

On the North side of the Gallery.

In memory of Robert Hicks, Gent. Surgeon and Apothecary, who, during a residence of 37 years, practised successfully in his profession, and repeatedly filled the office of Bailiff in this Borough. He was, at all times, anxious to promote the public good, and, by his last will and testament, confided to trustees his dwelling-house in Post-street, and two other houses next adjoining, to be by them appropriated to the use and support of the Free Grammar School of Queen Elizabeth.

He died without issue 30th of July, 1825. Aged 59.— Also of Mary, widow of the Rev. S. Hicks, Rector of Westlingworth, Beds., who died March 1st, 1805. Aged 72.-Also of John Hicks, who died Sept. 9th, 1827. Aged 56.

Hunc propter locum compositi jacent cineres, Thos. Betts, Gent. in hacce villa sæpius Balvici et ibidem Justitiarii Pacis Studiosissimi. Nec non quod morti cecidit. Hujus a latere inhumata est pia uxor Elizthsa

Quos (serius licet absentes) tota hæc inexpletum dolet Vicinia. Ecclesia Læta Ambos agnovit suos. Pullata ambos luget. At (ea lege vivimus) huic ambos Mors haud improvisa appulit.

Necnodum in Serpo quæras Sapientia prim' est, ad mortem sapere, ac addidicisse Deum. In Christo (vixistis enim) requiescite utriq. Quos pietas et causa fides dedit esse beatos Ulteriusq, dabit : siquid Pietasq, Fidesq ulterius valet. Hoc dabit hoc par nobile cœlo.

In the South Aisle.

In memory of Thomas Townsend, late of this parish, who died the 29th of Jan. 1792. Aged 67.-Also Martha, his wife, who died 2d Oct. 1789. Aged 75.-Also John Townsend, son of the above Thomas and Martha Townsend, who died 9th of Nov. 1799. Aged 59.-Also Ann, his wife, who died 25th Sept. 1817. Aged 82.-Also James Stratten, Esq. late of Hackney, in the county of Middlesex, son-in-law of the above Thomas and Martha Townsend, who died 21st of July, 1800. Aged 60.-Also